GOODWILL OF ORANGE COUNTY'S WORKING FOR INDEPENDENCE LUNCHEON IS A BIG SUCCESS

Santa Ana, CA -- Wednesday, March 7, 2007 Goodwill of Orange County (Goodwill) hosted its second annual Working For Independence Fundraising Luncheon at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa. First American Corporation was the underwriter of the event. The luncheon was prompt, emotional, and a great success, raising $230,000 to support Goodwill's mission- to provide people with disabilities and other barriers the opportunity to achieve their highest levels of personal and economic independence.

Four hundred businessmen and women attended the one-hour luncheon. The afternoon highlight was the testimonial from a student, Jorge, who was given a voice through Goodwill's Assistive Technology Exchange Center. The room was silent as everyone listened to Jorge's story, told through his augmentative communication device. Following Jorge's testimonial and a short video, everyone in attendance was invited to make a one-time gift or pledge to Goodwill. Goodwill received an overwhelming response for the second year and raised $230,000 (gross) in cash and pledges.

Goodwill of Orange County is a nonprofit organization with is Main Campus located at 410 North Fairview in Santa Ana. Now in its 82nd year, Goodwill of Orange County has provided thousands of people with disabilities and other barriers the opportunity to achieve their highest levels of personal and economic independence through competitive employment.

For more information on Goodwill of Orange County and its education, training and employment programs and services, please contact Anne Blasius, Communications Manager at (714) 547-6308 ext. 308 or anneb@ocgoodwill.org.

Information may also be found at www.ocgoodwill.org

--- GOODWILL OF ORANGE COUNTY---